Physical Therapy
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Program TypeDoctorate
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SchoolSaint Gianna School of Health Sciences
Serve populations of all kinds while guiding people toward effective and pain-free movement and health with the University of Mary's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Prepare for a successful career with our enriching full-time clinical education placements, located in a variety of settings across the United States.
What You’ll Learn
Focus on three critical areas of PT leadership: evidence-based practice, education, and scholarly activity. Learn the practice of treatment and rehabilitation in a hands-on clinical setting starting in the first year of the program. Engage in the research, education, and preventative care necessary to meet current and future health care challenges.
Application to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program is through the (PTCAS).
View more about .
- Earn Your Degree in Three
Traditional Degree Pathway: Study full-time and complete your DPT degree from Mary after completing a bachelor's degree of your choice. Apply for Early Assurance or Priority Admission to secure your spot in our competitive program.
3+3 Track: Complete a bachelor's degree in biomechanics or exercise science in three years and have your Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in hand in three more years. This pathway is great for students who earned college credit in high school or are interested in completing courses in the summer.
Year-Round Campus: Get even further ahead at Mary by participating in our innovative Year-Round Campus. Save on tuition cost, access your financial aid throughout the whole year, and graduate with less debt!
- Work with Populations in Need
Serve the physical therapy needs of the people of the Bismarck-Mandan community and surrounding region by assisting with the University of Mary's pro bono clinic. Located on campus, the clinic offers DPT students the ability to practice their clinical skills in a realistic setting while allowing people of all socioeconomic backgrounds to receive care. Students also have an option to participate in an international service-learning experience in Guatemala.
- Enhance Your Degree with a Concentration
You can add an optional business or to the DPT program, allowing you to focus more deeply on a subject of your choice. The business concentration is designed to enhance your business acumen to better meet the demands of modern healthcare practice. The bioethics concentration strengthens your ethical decision-making abilities while keeping the dignity of the human person as the central focus.
Program Information
Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.
Accreditations
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Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
The University of Mary Program in Physical Therapy is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: . If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 701-355-8053 or email ptdept@umary.edu. -
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) has accredited the university to offer the DPT.
Scholarships and Tuition Assistance
Designed to make your DPT degree as affordable as possible, the University of Mary offers several avenues of financial assistance for its students. Explore all the options available to you by reviewing our DPT tuition assistance page.
Featured Faculty
Jody Eckert, PT, DPT, EdD
Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedics, Chair of Doctoral Physical Therapy, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
I've served as faculty in the University of Mary DPT program since 2007. In fall 2021, I transitioned from the DCE role into the role of program director. I'm from Bismarck originally and my husband, Robb, and I feel blessed to be raising our two children (Emerson and Bobby) here in this community. Initially, I got my BA in Exercise Science from Concordia College in 2001 and then worked my way through a master's degree in PT and then two doctorates in PT and educational leadership. In my free time, I love spending time with my family outside skiing, hiking, and going on walks together. I also enjoy running, cycling, and reading. I'm an avid sports fan of any sport my kids are currently playing.
Lauren Emmel, DPT
Director of Clinical Education, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy, Fellow in Catholic Studies
I grew up in a small, rural community in Stearns County, Minnesota. I was influenced by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Benedict's Monastery throughout my childhood years, most especially through attending a Catholic grade school. As a physical therapist, I have worked primarily in the areas of pediatrics and acute care physical therapy. From very early on in my career, I desired to work with students as a clinical instructor. My desire for additional mentorship resulted in a call to the University of Mary. My husband, Nick, and I, along with our six children enjoy traveling, cooking, and time spent around the table.
Matt Schumacher, PT, DPT, DSc
Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Doctor of Physical Therapy Admissions Committee Representative, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
I am a North Dakota native, growing up in Hazelton, ND. I attended the University of Mary and graduated with my Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2016. I am married to my wife, Tasha, who is a University of Mary graduate in occupational therapy. We have two boys, Noah and Cohen. I am a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists, and have my Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy. In my free time, I enjoy staying active through running, hiking, and golfing while spending time with my family and friends.
Explore Campus
Learn about our beautiful campus, located in the heart of Bismarck, North Dakota and perched above the beautiful Missouri River valley. Physical therapy students travel from near and far to live and thrive at the University of Mary.
